The MLB season is upon us which means it is time for the Fantasy Baseball season. We here at the Sports Script want to do everything possible in setting you up for draft day and helping you throughout the season to win a Fantasy Baseball Championship. We are gathering a team of Sports Script writers as well as some special guest to answer 5 key questions about each position for the upcoming 2014 Fantasy Baseball Season. Today we have gathered myself (Ricky Valero), Matt Bell and Matt Wincherauk as we are going to take a look at the 2nd base.
5 Questions surrounding Fantasy 2nd baseman
1 – Which player or players are you targeting?
Matt Bell – I would be more than happy if I can snag Robinson Cano or Dustin Pedroia for my 2nd baseman this year, but I don’t like to use my early pick at this positions. The guy I’ll be targeting a few rounds later will be Matt Carpenter who hit .318 last year for the Cardinals. He’s still 2nd base eligible on most sites despite moving to 3B this year for the Cardinals. I really like what he can do for the Cardinals in the leadoff spot and can total up runs and RBIs given the Cardinals line up.
Matt Wincherauk – I’m looking to grab Jose Altuve this year. He’s a part of an emerging Astros team that has a ton of young talent. A great stolen base threat, and hopefully this will be the year that the rest of his offensive game takes off.
Ricky – I am targeting Daniel Murphy. He was awesome in the 2nd half of the season hitting .307 after the break. We saw a nice bump in his stolen bases, while I don’t think he repeats that but he is a rare 5 category 2nd baseman. He has huge upside heading into this year and you can more than likely find him on all my fantasy squads this season.
2 – Which player are you staying away from?
Matt Bell – I’ll be staying away from this year at 2nd base is going to be Brandon Phillips. He’s declined in average every year over the last 3 seasons and was only able to steal 5 bases last year down from 15 the previous season. He’s just getting older and I see decline in his future.
Matt Wincherauk – Brandon Phillips is who I’m going to try to avoid this year. He’s already in a decline, and it doesn’t seem likely that he will be bouncing back to the Phillips of old anytime soon. He’s a guy who’ll get a lot of middle round looks based off name alone.
Ricky – Robinson Cano – 1st round guy and moving to an unfavorable stadium (in Seattle) just equates to disappointment for me this season. He will produce but just not the numbers we are used to seeing or the numbers need to produce being worthy of a 1st round choice.
3 – Who is the biggest sleeper heading into 2014?
Matt Bell – The Rangers traded away Ian Kinsler making room for Jurickson Profar to become the everyday starter for the Rangers at 2nd baseman. He’s got some major tools for a 2nd baseman as he can steal bases, hit for power, and just get on base. I really think Profar has a ton of value for a later round pick at 2nd base.
Matt Wincherauk – I honestly feel like this is the year that we see Jurickson Profar take off, and be the star that we all think he will be. He’ll be getting a lot more regular time with Ian Kinsler in Detroit and should be ready to be a big time part of an explosive Rangers offense.
Ricky – Chase Utley – I really like what he did in the final month of last season. He hit .349 with a pair of homers and 17 RBIs. I look for him to try to start 2014 as he finished 2013.
4 – Which player will be a bust for Fantasy owners?
Matt Bell – I hate to do this, but I feel like people are going to ignore what I say about Brandon Phillips for my answer to question 2 therefore I think he will be the biggest bust at 2nd base. I’ve already given all the reason I don’t like him this year, but he’s just to high ranked on most sites and will be taken way to early by many fantasy teams.
Matt Wincherauk – Ian Kinsler shouldn’t be a major bust, but moving from Arlington to Detroit should take some getting used to. Besides just moving to a more pitcher’s ballpark, he’s also entering his mid-30s and isn’t the same player he used to be.
Ricky – Brandon Phillips – While he celebrated a career high in RBIs, he saw his batting average, on-base percentage and runs continue on a 3 year decline. Owners will overpay and be disappointed in the result.
5 – Give a bold prediction for one player.
Matt Bell – I haven’t mentioned his name yet in my questions, but another 2nd baseman I really like is Jose Altuve. I’ll actually go out and make the bold prediction that he will be a top 3 second baseman this year.
Matt Wincherauk – Despite a drop off in power numbers, Robinson Cano will see a rise in his average, and will be an MVP type player despite leaving the friendly confines of Yankee Stadium.
Ricky – Ian Kinsler will hit 20+ HRs and steal over 20 SBs. Kinsler moving over to the Tigers and hitting in that potent lineup should have some great results for fantasy owners.
If you have any questions about the upcoming Fantasy Baseball season make sure to hope on over to twitter and ask. You can follow me @rickygangster @mattbell211 & @TheMattyWin and we will answer any and all questions.
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